August Challenge #2: Black Brocade Kebaya Encim

Hey hello again!...

Still in the same challenge with everything in Mom's treasure box wardrobe, I found a pair of this too old Kebaya Encim. It was around 30 years ago the last time Mom wore it. Do not be surprised, since this is not her only old collection.

Mom said that she had worn it only once. It explained a lot why these pair are in quite good condition. Unfortunately, neither me nor mom will wear them. I don't wear these style of clothing, puff sleeves and straight skirt? Nope. Mom? of course she fits this kebaya no more :)

Okay, after I get the permission to make-over this treasure, cut here cut there, and seam ripper became my bestie, Kebaya encim had changed to this fabulos babybop doll.

I know maybe some of you will say: oh that's too bad! why did you change those beautiful kebaya into that babydoll?

so I can wear it

what a waste leaving something in the wardrobe but never put it on :)

kebaya encim turned into sleeveless babydoll

The black brocade fabric was the main reason I interested in. I have planned to make something from lace, brocade, embroidery, or anything like that, so when I found this kebaya, I felt truly happy. First, no money for fabric. Second, my concern about 'what ifs' was subside (e.g. what if I failed? with the brand new expensive brocade fabric, I believe I will be crazy with this kind of thinking)

neckline - good old style

Never passed in my mind, this make-over would be in tears, blood, and struggle (Oh hyperbola). I learn many things like:

1. Lining, the only project with lining I worked with was ikat bag pants; In this case lining in the armholes.

2. change the size and position of darts, from the waist darts to armscye darts. grrrr...

3. difference between armhole for sleeveless and with sleeve bodice pattern.

I do keep the style of neckline and the front opening of kebaya. The rest is quite usual for me: ruffle skirt. I satisfied with the result. I believe learning with practice is more effective for me (although at first I nearly gave up because of lining and darts things. I used to do my best to avoid them)

old black brocade?

 still not very into the sewing mood though, need to heal soon T_T

Until my next project,

Love,

Happy birthday - Depressing Sewing-day

Last week was hectic. I pushed myself to fulfill my target on sewing. The deadline is today: my son's birthday.

I planned to make three pairs of clothing plus one vest for him. I have just finished two and no vest. This is a big disappointment. It is not about I couldn't finish the project, but the fact I made them in a hurry.

I am a perfectionist, but I can't make something perfect in a short time. I love to watch the machine sew a bit slow, making a perfect seam and then a perfect and neat garment. I enjoyed every second when I sew.

Bad mood.

my recent project was black shorts. I did it in a crazy sewing speed. It turned out quite wearable, but I lost every sewing passion in me. because of that made-in-a-hurry-shorts. How simple things could ruin my day! *sobs.

I hope tomorrow will be better for me, and my sewing mood.

Shirt - okay :)
Shorts - not okay :(

See you soon, hopefully

August Challenge #1

Area: mom's and my wardrobe

Target: Any old clothing me or mom used to wear, still in good condition (the color and the fabric).

Mission: change it to wearable clothes for me or my son. Mom won't wear it, she needs brand new clothing though.

Challenge #1: maxi sleeveless dress, the neckline was torn

Skill: pretty easy :)

This is what I called happy ending! It's been in the closet for dozen years. Now, it is 'revive' :)

Love,

my personal Quote of the day!

Re-Post: My (not) VERY FIRST SEWING PROJECT

(This post was actually dated 25 Nov 2012)

I was so happy that finally I made something wearable! well, I started sewing since my second year in elementary school, being taught and inspired by my very talented sister Silvi Yulwina. At that time, we made clothes for dolls and we enjoyed put our handmade little dress in them.

I always remember the time when I opened up mom's wardrobe, tried to find some fabric, and I ended up cutting the curtains, leaving holes everywhere (I don't remember whether my mom got angry or not). I also learned that patience is a must for sewing; one time, I felt that it took long time too finish the Barbie wrap dress by stitching the seam line across the side seam, little by little, then this idea just came out from nowhere: why didn't I stitch it only in the beginning and then straight to the end of the seam. I did that, believe me. I sat quietly for a while to understand that it didn't work at all. IT JUST LEAVING THE MIDDLE SIDE SEAM UN-STITCH GIVING A BIG HOLE! mwuahaha... how stupid I was!

End of old story,

I started sewing again after I think I'd better sew for my fast growing toddler clothes. When I went to Department store and saw the price of kid's clothing, I was amazed how expensive they are (for those tiny pieces I believe i can make it, and it would be a lot cheaper). I agree with expensive price with good quality clothing, but I rarely find that one here.

But first, I need to learn real sewing. I have some basic sewing knowledge when I took sewing course in the last year of university (after I have finished one dress, I quit) but it looks like I must started out all over again.

So i tried not to mess up wit drafting the pattern and simply downloaded free printable sewing pattern on the internet. This is my (not so) very first sewing project.

comfy in this forever summer season!

I took the pattern from Angela Kane website. It was easy, simple, basic, but very chic! I've made some adjustment to the bodice pattern so it fits me very well (I picked medium size pattern, but the armscye was too big). I also made facing to the area of neckline and arms instead of leaving it alone like the instruction said. it gives comfort and it looks neat.

please visit Angela Kane

and see you soon,

Lots of Sewing Project for birthday!

Few more days until my boy's birthday. I hope I can finish this project on time:

Okay, I'll make three shirts, two shorts, and one vest,In sha Allah. I do really hope that my little one can wear some of them in his birthday (*_* pray).

I need to start now, then.

Basic Shorts!

I tend to make easy task difficult.

Yes, that's a confession.

It is also happen when I sew something basic. Basic shorts, for example. This month, my boy will be 3 years old, In sha Allah, gets bigger and taller aaand... we run out his shorts supplies! I need pattern for basic shorts, which is easy and quickly made. I ended up cutting Ikatbag Pants pattern off (you can see the post here). I omitted the pockets, the cuffs, linings, and any accesories that come with it.

I promised myself to keep it simple. No other thing would I add to this shorts because I must make a lot of them. Yet, I still challenge myself to give the waistband a new look:

In this way, I believe the elastic will not be twisted, which is usually happen after they comes out from washing machine *sobs... couldn't keep my promise.

The next project will be another basic shorts, and another... and another...

bye for now

My orange elise tee

Okay, this is my new project:

The Elise tee free pattern by Melissa from Fine Motor Skills.

She suggested to use jersey, but I find it nowhere here in this little village, so I decided to use light woven fabric. I thank her for this super simple pattern yet very clear and sophisticated.

I used bias tape for neck and armholes instead of bands, and the making of this simple tee become less simple (why oh why I keep making my self struggling T_T). I just want it to last long, and I don't have overlock machine (the last excuse is the honest one :p)

I intended to add some embroidery in the middle to cheer it up :) I don't want it to be sad orange tee! (It's me actually, realizing my arm getting fatter and fatter! *sob) but i'll do it later after some exercise to bring my sexy arm back. 

bye now, 'till the next project

 

Ikat Bag's Fold-up Cuff Pants for Boys

LiEr from Ikatbag were very generous for giving this boys pants pattern for free! Not only the pattern but also the tutorial came with it. Love LiEr!

This is my version of the pants:

It was actually easy to sew, but since I am a beginner in sewing, I had troubles here and there. Yes, I was too lazy to change the needle. FYI, my choice of fabrics is terribly different: Denim, medium light cotton, and a super soft and light some kind of lining (I don't know the name, but yes, the most soft fabric I've ever sew). I got my lesson then, CHANGE THE NEEDLE, SHINTA! that's why there are a lot of needle sizes and kinds.

This table will help sewing beginner like me:

sewingcraft.com

I'm working on another project right now, see you soon!